Maine House approves cellphone privacy measure

Maine House approves bill requiring warrant before police can track cellphone use

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A bill that protects the privacy of cellphone users has been approved by the Maine House of Representatives.

The House voted 113-28 Wednesday to pass the measure, following its passage in the Senate last week. The bill now goes back to the Senate for enactment.

If enacted, Maine's Legislature would be the first in the nation to enact a law requiring police to obtain warrants to get the location history for people's cellphones and other GPS-enabled devices in non-emergency situations.

A warrant wouldn't be required in emergency situations

It also would require police to tell people within three days that they have obtained the information.

The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/18AMRk9 ) reports that the bill has the support of liberal Democrats to conservative Republicans.

Opponents say it would hamper police investigations.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

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